Multi-Factor Authentication: Find Out More About This Process

Multi-Factor: In many systems and applications, passwords still reign as the most common way to authenticate your online identity, but increasingly they offer little protection.

Once a password is stolen, hackers can use those credentials to log into business applications and systems, circumvent other access controls, and wreak serious havoc.

In fact, according to the 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, stealing login credentials is the top tactic hackers use to achieve data breaches. To do so, they exploit various attack strategies, including phishing scams.

In this context, multi-factor authentication provides layers of protection for users to protect themselves from attacks by intruders. Addition, this approach reduces the ripple effect of compromised credentials, as the username and password alone are insufficient to complete access.

In this article, we present the importance of multi-factor authentication, indicating the benefits and advantages of its use to ensure the security of users, systems and device.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as an app, online account, or VPN.

In addition, multi-factor authentication is a central component of defining a strong identity and access management (IAM) policy.

Rather than just asking for a username and password, multi-factor authentication requires one or more additional verification factors, lowering the likelihood of a successful cyberattack.

The main benefit of MFA is that it will increase your organisation’s security by requiring your users to identify themselves with more than a username and password.

Although essential, when not very well prepared, usernames and passwords are very vulnerable to cyber attacks, and third parties can also steal them.

Multi-factor authentication, such as a fingerprint or physical hardware key, increases confidence that your organisation will be protected.

How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?

In many systems and applications, passwords still reign as the most common way to authenticate your online identity, but increasingly they offer little protection.

Once a password is stolen, hackers can use those credentials to log into business applications and systems, circumvent other access controls, and wreak serious havoc.

In fact, according to the 2020 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, stealing login credentials is the top tactic hackers use to achieve data breaches. To do so, they exploit various attack strategies, including phishing scams.

In this article, we present the importance of multi-factor authentication, indicating the benefits and advantages of its use to ensure the security of users, systems and devices.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication ensures user authenticity, protecting devices and applications. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an authentication method that requires the user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as an app, online account, or VPN.

In addition, multi-factor authentication is a central component of defining a strong identity and access management (IAM) policy.

Rather than just asking for a username and password, multi-factor authentication requires one or more additional verification factors, lowering the likelihood of a successful cyberattack.

The main benefit of MFA is that it will increase your organisation’s security by requiring your users to identify themselves with more than a username and password.

Although essential, when not very well prepared, usernames and passwords are very vulnerable to cyber attacks, and third parties can also steal them.

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How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?

Vector image shows a woman entering her passwords regarding multi-factor authentication

The purpose of multi-factor authentication is to provide a multi-layered defence system. This ensures user authenticity and helps ensure that only authorised people have access to protected systems. However, new barriers arise to block the invader even if a factor will compromis.

For example, if someone’s computer password is stolen, the attacker will still need more than just this information to break into an account.

According to data from the 2017 Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report, 81% of data breaches involve weak or stolen credentials. Multi-factor authentication can prevent this. To successfully implement MFA in your enterprise, users must have the right combination of multiple authentication factors.

For example, to log into a secure program, a contributor might need to enter a password (something the user knows) and a hardware token number. Thus, only the correct password combined with the proper hardware token number releases the user access.

How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Improve Security?

Multi-factor authentication enables service providers to manage risk along the customer journey. Thus, when implemented correctly, the methodology adds security with minimal friction.

According to research by Ping Identity, IT and security professionals consider multi-factor authentication the most effective control for protecting data on-premises and in the public cloud.

Also, some MFA solutions on the market are quick and easy to implement. As a result, organisations can implement this highly effective security measure without wasting time or effort.

By using multi-factor authentication to log in to business applications or the network remotely via VPN, professionals get the flexibility and on-demand access they value.

All this generates increased productivity and operational efficiency, in addition to avoiding headaches and losses from cyber attacks.

Multi-Factor Authentication In Practice

Typically, directing employees to download an app or load a token for multi-factor authentication at work is a simple process. However, when the approach is customer-oriented, it gets a little tricky. That’s because they have high expectations for smooth, fluid experiences and are quick to ditch clunky logins.

Customers are often will not interest in enabling MFA protection for their accounts, even when it is freely available from their service provider.

Organisations are encouraging customers to use MFA by explaining how authentication can improve account security without impacting their login experience. In addition, many organisations are making MFA available through their customer-facing mobile apps to facilitate and encourage use.

For businesses, the challenge is to drive a multi-factor authentication strategy that can carefully balance the risks of compromised credentials against the impact on employee productivity or customer experience.

It would be best if you considered usability and practicality for users and risk-based policies to determine the requirements for multi-factor authentication.

The best modern MFA solutions can balance security and convenience, supporting multiple authentication options, implementing adaptive policies, and seamlessly integrating with existing applications.

How To Implement Multi-Factor Authentication In My Company?

If you plan to adopt a multi-factor authentication strategy, you need to know that having a complete solution can go a long way. Knowing this, Cisco has developed a tool that streamlines and simplifies multi-factor authentication .

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